Contouring your face with blush? Discover the coquette make-up trend

Are you a fan of minimal make-up and radiant skin? Then coquette make-up and blush contouring might just be your perfect match. Blush adds a beautiful flush to the face, giving it a youthful, well-rested look. And with the right shade, it can suit absolutely everyone! How to create a coquette make-up look? How to choose the perfect blush for you?

How to choose the right blush?

Let us start with selecting the right product. Blush does not need to be pink or even pressed. One of the hottest trends in professional make-up right now is cream blush in stick form. These blend effortlessly, lightly nourish the skin, and provide a long-lasting, velvety finish. You will also find cream and liquid blushes, as well as pressed compacts with subtle shimmer. How to Match Blush to Your Skin Type and Tone?

• Cream or liquid blush is ideal for those with dry, normal, or mature skin.
• Pressed blushes are a go-to for oily and combination skin types.
• If your skin is clear and smooth, be sure to try pairing blush with a highlighter.
• Cool-toned beauties should go for blushes in cooler shades like bright pink or violet.
• Warm skin tones are flattered by earthy hues, such as soft browns or terracotta.
• Peach tones are incredibly versatile and suit almost everyone.

Pro Tip: Try a multi-use blush product that you can apply to your cheeks, lips, and eyelids. Perfect for coquette make-up.

Contour stick or blush stick for sculpting the face?

Classic contour sticks usually come in cool, warm, or neutral shades of brown. These face contouring products are designed to slim and sculpt the facial features. They are typically applied along the hollows of the cheeks (under the cheekbones) towards the ears and along the hairline on the forehead. A matte bronzing contour stick can also be used to slim the nose and define the jawline. Recently, blush has made a comeback as a contouring tool.

Fun fact: Contouring the face with blush was a huge trend in the 1980s. In modern make-up, this technique is known as draping — a method that uses carefully selected and blended blushes in various tones to subtly yet effectively shape the face. In draping, blush is used not only to add colour, but to create dimension and shadow. It is applied where you would normally place contour — such as under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and near the temples — instead of bronzer.

How to create a coquette make-up look?

In coquette make-up, the star of the show is blush—do not be afraid to apply it to the tip and bridge of your nose too! A stick blush is perfect for this technique.

• Start by moisturising your skin with a face cream that gives a healthy, radiant glow.
• Choose a lightweight, illuminating foundation or BB cream for a natural, fresh finish.
• Brighten the under-eye area with a concealer — looking well-rested is essential!
• Now, it is time for blush. Start by applying the blush from the side of the nose across the centre of the cheek, drawing a soft curve towards the temple.
• Add a horizontal swipe across the middle of the nose — this is a signature detail of the Coquette style!
• Then move on to the other cheek, sweeping the stick from cheek to temple. The resulting blush placement will resemble the shape of a ‘W’.
• Apply a subtle highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and the tip of your nose.
• Next, blend out the blush and highlighter using a damp sponge for a seamless, dewy finish.

Pro tip: If you want to enhance the coquette make-up effect, add a touch of powder blush over the top.

Eyes and lips in the coquette style

Choose a lipstick in a soft red or pink hue to create a “just kissed” look. Add a dab of gloss to the centre of your lips for a fuller pout. Lip oils and tints also work beautifully with this aesthetic. For the eyes, opt for eyeshadow in brown or pinkish tones. A good mascara and a few individual lash clusters will give that dreamy, doe-eyed effect.

And the best part? Coquette make-up suits everyone — the secret lies in choosing the blush shade that flatters your unique complexion. Ready to try contouring your face with blush?